"Joyce Kaufman has been South Florida’s commonsense, conservative voice for nearly twenty years," LeMieux said in a press release. "She is unwavering in her beliefs, unafraid to speak her mind, and cautious when supporting political candidates. Joyce is an opinion leader of substance and value and I am honored to receive her endorsement for the U.S. Senate."

Born in Fort Lauderdale on May 21, 1969, LeMieux earned a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 1994, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. He was chairman of the Broward County Republican Party from 2000-2002; deputy attorney general, 2003-2005; and chief of staff to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, 2007. On Sept. 9, 2009, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mel Martinez, and served from Sept. 10, 2009, to Jan. 3, 2011. He did not seek election in 2010.

LeMieux has received the endorsements of former Republican Party of Florida Chairman Tom Slade, 16 Florida legislators, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, and the National Tax Limitation Committee PAC.